Tony Butala, founding member and last surviving original singer of American vocal group The Lettermen, has died at 87.
Butala passed away on Sunday, November 1, a representative for the group confirmed. His cause of death was not disclosed.
The singer helped lead The Lettermen to chart success from the early 1960s through the early 1970s, with 20 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, including six Top 40 hits.
The group became known for its 1961 recording of “The Way You Look Tonight” and popular versions of “When I Fall In Love”, “Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Hurt So Bad”.
In a statement released Tuesday, The Lettermen described Butala as an integral part of the group’s history and paid tribute to his talent, perseverance and dedication to entertaining audiences around the world.
“Tony never met a stranger,” the statement said, adding that sharing music with audiences was his greatest joy.
Butala was also a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and siblings.
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